Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Individuals often focus on their medical health more than their oral health without realizing how important it is to maintain good dental health. Losing even one tooth can lead to problems that affect the whole body. Missing teeth replacement is essential to your appearance and ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Why Is It So Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
Even one missing tooth can lead to problems that impact your comfort and health. Multiple issues can arise if you don’t consider missing teeth replacement, including:
- Shifting of the remaining teeth. When a tooth is missing, the empty socket deteriorates, and the adjacent teeth shift to fill in the space. The result is misaligned teeth and a crooked bite.
- Missing teeth put additional pressure on the remaining teeth, leading to toothaches and headaches. The remaining teeth suffer from further wear and tear.
- If you lose several teeth, your facial structure is impacted as the jawbone deteriorates, causing a sunken, aged appearance.
- When one or more teeth are missing, the risk of gum disease and cavities can increase as the remaining teeth shift and food debris and bacteria are caught in empty tooth sockets. Infection can set in, spreading through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Missing teeth replacement can help keep complications at bay while restoring your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. There are several ways to replace missing teeth. A visit to Mount Vernon Periodontics And Implants is the first step toward determining which option is best for you.
Are You Missing Teeth?
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
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Which is the Best Missing Teeth Replacement Solution?
The only replacement solution considered permanent is dental implants. Implants are the most comfortable and natural-feeling solution. The implants are placed in the jawbone to replace the missing teeth’s roots, where they fuse with the surrounding bone. This creates a stable base to support the replacement teeth, which may be individual crowns or dental prosthetics such as fixed dentures. Once the implants are fully healed and the replacement teeth are permanently attached, you can eat and drink whatever you like without worries.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Some of the advantages of dental implants include:
- Dental implants are a permanent solution that allows you to eat and drink whatever you like.
- The implants help preserve the jawline’s strength and the face’s contours.
- Implants are easy to care for – you brush and floss them like natural teeth.
- They do not need to be removed at night or for cleaning.
- Your full bite force is restored.
- Individuals with dental implants do not have to worry about relining or repairing dentures every few years.
- Unlike dentures, there is no need to worry about slipping or clicking prosthetics.
- No one can tell your dental implants aren’t your natural teeth.
- Prevents shifting of remaining adjacent teeth.
- Gives you a beautiful smile.
Other Options for Missing Teeth Replacement
There are other options for replacing missing teeth, each with advantages and disadvantages. Learn all you can about these options to decide how you want to replace your missing teeth.
Fixed Bridge
For those on a fixed income or who do not want to undergo implant surgery, a fixed bridge is a less expensive alternative that doesn’t involve surgery. However, it works best when you are only replacing a few teeth. The replacement teeth are placed by crowns that fit over the natural teeth on either side. These teeth must be ground down to keep the crowns in place, and the bridge must be removed for cleaning and sleeping. A bridge has to be replaced every 5-10 years and does not prevent bone loss due to jawbone deterioration.
Flipper
A flipper is a strictly temporary solution. This fragile, removable plastic tooth is connected to a plastic retainer. It is worn for cosmetic reasons but must be removed for eating and drinking. Flippers are not a long-term solution for missing teeth.
Partial Denture
A partial denture or partial plate is a sturdy, removable denture made of metal and plastic and held in place by wires, clips, or other fasteners attached to the remaining teeth. These last about 10 years and must be relined and adjusted periodically to ensure a good fit. Some patients have difficulty adjusting to the fit and do not like how fasteners sometimes show.
Full Dentures
Dentures are currently the most common solution for individuals missing all their teeth in the upper, lower, or jaws. Dentures can be pretty comfortable when fitted correctly and are less expensive than dental implants. However, they must be removed when sleeping and to clean them. They need relining, repairing, and adjusting periodically to ensure they fit correctly and are prone to slipping and clicking. Some people are comfortable with the limitations of dentures, while others never adapt to them.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
There are pros and cons associated with every missing tooth replacement option. However, dental implants have become increasingly popular due to their durability, natural look and feel, and longevity if you want to learn more about missing teeth replacement options, such as dental implants.
Are You Missing Teeth?
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
Mount Vernon Periodontics & Implants Phone Number 360-424-5175 Book Online